N.S. premier warns U.S. tariffs could affect thousands of jobs in the province

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has expressed concern over the potential impact of the tariff that U.S. president-elect Donald Trump is threatening to impose. This tariff, set at 25 per cent on all goods coming into the United States from Canada, could have significant repercussions on Nova Scotian businesses that export to the U.S.

According to Houston, thousands of Nova Scotia jobs could be at risk if such a high tariff is implemented. He emphasized the seriousness of the issue and stated that he would do everything in his power to stand up for Nova Scotian interests both in Ottawa and abroad.

Some of Nova Scotia’s top exports to the U.S. include lumber, tires, lobster, seafood, Christmas trees, and paper products. Houston confirmed that he will be part of a delegation of premiers visiting Washington D.C. on Feb. 12 to lobby U.S. lawmakers and highlight the negative impact that tariffs would have on both American consumers and Canadian exporters.

Finance Minister John Lohr highlighted the challenges that the uncertainty surrounding the tariff poses for the province’s budget drafting process. He mentioned that there are many unknowns that make it difficult for officials to plan effectively. Lohr also reiterated the government’s close contact with businesses that rely on U.S. customers to assess the potential impact of tariffs.

Regarding election promises made by the Progressive Conservative government, Houston mentioned that the federal government has plans to support areas most affected by the tariff. While he expressed satisfaction with Ottawa’s planned response, Lohr refrained from speculating on how the tariff could impact government revenues and potentially jeopardize election promises.

In response to the uncertainty surrounding tariffs, Official Opposition leader Claudia Chender called for more transparency from the Houston government regarding their plans to address the situation and support affected Nova Scotians. Liberal MLA Derek Mombourquette expressed surprise at the delay in addressing the tariff threat and called on the premier to take on a more proactive role in championing the province’s interests.

As the Nova Scotia legislature prepares to resume sitting and engage in budget debates, the government faces a challenging task of navigating the potential consequences of the proposed tariffs on the province’s economy and workforce. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation.